Medical care in the country cannot be compared to Europe and is often highly problematic in terms of technology, equipment and/or hygiene. Medical care in Bamako is limited. French-speaking specialists in the important disciplines are available, some of whom also speak German. Medicines are difficult to obtain and prompt cash payment is expected for treatment. A first-aid kit should be taken with you. Taking out travel health insurance and reliable travel repatriation insurance is strongly recommended. Check ebizdir for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers over one year old. This does not apply to transit passengers who do not leave the airport in Mali and continue to fly on the same aircraft. [2] A certificate of vaccination against cholera is not an entry requirement, but there is a risk of infection. There is an increased risk of cholera in various regions across the country, which primarily affects the local population. The diseases are mainly reported from the provinces of Kayes, Koulikoro, Ségou, Mopti and Timbouctou. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel. [3] There is a risk of malaria all year round in all parts of the country. The predominant more dangerous form Plasmodium falciparum is said to be highly resistant to chloroquine. [4] Nationwide there is an increased risk of infection for various infectious diseases that are transmitted through contaminated food or drinks (e.g. hepatitis A, typhoid fever, bacterial dysentery, amoebic dysentery, lambliasis, worm diseases). Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before it is used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice cubes, or it should be bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is not pasteurized and should be boiled. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterile water. It is best to avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.
Other risks
The standard vaccinations for children and adults recommended by the Robert Koch Institute (including against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), mumps, measles, rubella, pneumococci and influenza) should be refreshed before the trip if necessary. Schistosomiasis pathogens are found in ponds and rivers across the country, so swimming and wading in inland waterways should be avoided. Well maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe. Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs nationwide. An effective insect repellent is recommended. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/Aids is a major problem in Mali and a major danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: sexual contact, unclean syringes or cannulas and blood transfusions pose a considerable life-threatening risk. The mosquito-borne leishmaniasis occurs nationwide. Filariasis, which is also transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs mainly in the south. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. Epidemic outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis can occur. To protect yourself, you should get vaccinated and avoid large crowds. There is a risk of sleeping sickness in the Koulikoro and Sikasso regions. rabies occurs. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tick bite fever occurs nationwide.
Money
Currency
1 CFA (Communauté Financiaire Africaine) Franc* = 100 centimes. Currency code: CFA Fr, XOF (ISO code). Banknotes are in denominations of 10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000 and 500 CFA Fr. Coins come in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 CFA Fr. Note: [*] The CFA Franc (XOF) is issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest ( BCEAO, State Bank of West African States) and used by the 8 members of the African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. The Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale (BEAC, CFA Franc (XAF) issued by the State Bank of Central African States is not legal tender in Mali. The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro. Euros are widely accepted as payment, but not for small inland purchases.
Credit cards
International credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted by major banks, airlines, hotels, restaurants and some car rental companies. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs in larger cities and more frequently in Bamako. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used occasionally in larger cities and more frequently in Bamako at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Travelers checks are not accepted in Mali.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Thu 07.30-12.00 and 13.15-15.00, Fri 07.30-12.00.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of local and foreign currency is unlimited and must be declared from a value or equivalent of CFA Fr 25,000 (traveller’s checks in foreign currencies are an exception to this). Export of foreign currencies is permitted up to the amount declared upon entry, minus the exchange amounts.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the following banks: La Banque de Développement du Mali, la BCEAO, la Banque Malienne de Crédit et Dépôts. You have to expect long waiting times. There are only banks in the larger cities. It is advisable to take US dollars and euros with you.
